Drukgyal Dzong

Drukgyal Dzong (Fortress)

Drukgyal meaning “the fortress of the victorious Drukpas” is located in Phondey village in Paro.

History has it that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel built the dzong to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan-Mongol forces in 1649. However, some people say it might have been built by Tenzin Drukdra, the second Desi at the behest of Zhabdrung.

The dzong used to house one of the biggest granaries among all the dzongs in the country. Some of the original relics rescued from the fire that occurred in 1951 are an image of Chenrizig, the god of compassion; an image of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal; 108 volumes of kanjur (translated words of Lord Buddha) and 12 volumes of Bum (Hundred thousand verses of Prajnaparamitra) and Dolma (Tara).